Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Spring Turkeys

The perfect days of spring have finally arrived; the air is fresh and clear, coaxed across the countryside by a gentle breeze, and the green, galloping across the landscape, has won its race against winter's brown.

Eastern wild turkeys frequent this area and this year 2 gobblers have been entertaining 3 hens (and us, from behind the windows). From one side of the house, we'll see the dominant gobbler strutting for the hens...

...and then we'll hear a gobble from the other direction, and see the sub-dominant gobbler all puffed out, practicing his dance with the mincing steps and fanning tail, until the larger bird will come and chase him off. Then he'll fold down his feathers and slink away, only to strike up again when the boss has left.

The big guy has been absent the last couple of days, probably off with his harem of hens, but junior is hanging around near the house, eating clover and still practicing his steps, hoping something might happen to his opponent. Turkey fights can get pretty nasty. He'd better watch his back.

We have wild turkeys in our area, but they don't come close to our homes. From a distance they just look black ... I much prefer your colorful version. You are blessed to get that close and see the real beauty of these birds. Thank you ...

These are outstanding, Connie. I have never seen such clear images of these birds anywhere. The metallic effect came off so well. That lens is doing you proud. And i never realized that they displayed like peacocks.

For me, life is fairly simple: love God, love your neighbor, do your art. As a Christian, my first priority is loving God,

and I believe a part of loving Him is being grateful for what He’s given us. Here in the Ozarks, we have much to appreciate and enjoy. And so this blog attempts to do a little of this: appreciate God’s wonders, and share them with you, my neighbors.

Followers

About Me

Connie is an illustrator and photographer who lives in the Missouri Ozarks, USA. She and her husband Don love their life together in their country home in the Ozarks, where artistic and photographic opportunities are ample, and their dog is way above average. Connie's portfolio can be viewed online at conniesmiley.com.